Dr. Dan Chen | Nanotechnology | Best Researcher Award
National University of Defense Technology, China
Profiles
Educational Background & Career
Dr. Dan Chen is currently an Assistant Professor at the National University of Defense Technology, China. He earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, where he also completed his Bachelor’s degree. His academic journey reflects strong expertise in materials science, focused particularly on micro/nano structures, polymer microspheres, photonic crystals, and composites.
Research Focus & Contributions
Dan’s research primarily explores advanced polymer processing technologies, especially the synthesis and forming mechanisms of polymer nanospheres. He has innovated in rubbery thermoforming technology, advancing the manufacturing of precision polymer optical products with nanoscale control. His work also addresses key challenges in optical materials by developing novel non-melting forming methods that overcome orientation defects like birefringence and optical distortion, improving product precision in demanding optical applications.
Research Leadership & Projects
Dan has led multiple significant projects including:
-
A Youth Independent Innovation Fund project on non-cooled infrared detectors leveraging heterogeneous core-shell structures for enhanced upconversion luminescence.
-
A Hunan Provincial Young Researcher Fund project on high refractive index inorganic-polymer core-shell nanospheres and new elastic-state forming methods.
-
Innovation Technology and National Natural Science Foundation projects focused on thermoforming and polymer optical product manufacturing, often leading small teams of doctoral and master’s students.
Awards & Recognitions
He has been recognized with several prestigious honors such as the Fourth Batch of High-level Innovative Talents, Academic Rising Star, and China National Scholarship (a highly selective award given to 0.2% of students). He also earned the title of “Academic Nova” at Huazhong University of Science and Technology and multiple first-class scholarships throughout his studies.
Technical Expertise & Innovations
Dan’s technical skillset spans polymer micro/nano fabrication, material modification, and precision forming technologies. He has made notable contributions to industrial applications, such as developing charge-laden masks with an efficient melt-blown process that address environmental and health challenges associated with conventional electrostatic mask filters. His interdisciplinary approach combines material science with practical product design for high-performance applications.
Impact & Future Directions
Dr. Chen’s work tackles both fundamental science and industry-relevant problems, pushing forward innovative polymer processing methods that enhance optical and functional material properties. His leadership in research projects and collaborative team management underscores his role as an emerging leader in materials science and engineering. Looking ahead, his focus on nano-engineered composites and precision polymer devices is likely to influence fields ranging from optics to biomedical materials.
Notable Publications
DEM-bond model: A computational framework for designing mechanically enhanced polymer nanosphere-based ordered nanostructures
Authors: Dan Chen*, §, Zhiren Chen§, Zhihong Zhu, Chucai Guo, et al.
Journal: Materials & Design
Year: 2025
Smart Window with Reversible and Instantaneous Photoluminescence based on Microsphere Structure
Authors: Dan Chen*, §, Yuang Chen§, Zhihong Zhu, Chucai Guo, et al.
Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
Year: 2024
Spreading Behavior of Non-Spherical Particles with Reconstructed Shapes Using Discrete Element Method in Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Tengfang Zhang§, Dan Chen§, Yunming Wang*, Huamin Zhou*, et al.
Journal: Polymers
Year: 2024
Current and Future Trends for Polymer Micro/nano Processing in Industrial Applications
Authors: Dan Chen§, Yunming Wang§, Humin Zhou*, et al.
Journal: Advanced Materials
Year: 2022
Birefringence- and Optical Distortion-free Isotropic Polymer Lens Assisted by Photonic Microspheres
Authors: Dan Chen, Yunming Wang*, Yue Fu, Huamin Zhou*, et al.
Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
Year: 2020